Barberry

Berberis vulgaris

Berberis vulgaris is native to Europe, where it is commonly used as an ornamental shrub.  It is also commonly grown in North America.

Barberry and other berberine-containing plants have been used throughout history for their medicinal properties. Chinese medicine has records of such use dating back over 3,000 years.

Native Americans originally taught settlers its value as a medicinal herb.

Barberry was used by Native Americans to treat ulcerated stomaches, ulcerated gums and sore throats.

Two other species of the plant, Nepalese barberry and Indian barberry, are native to those areas and possess similar qualities.  Traditional ayurvedic uses of Barberry include for debility, fever, dysentery, colitis, jaundice and enlargement of the liver.

The berries of the Barberry plant are traditionally used to make jams and jellies, and the plant is used to make a dye.

Barberry is a bitter tonic which stimulates the stomache, liver and gall bladder.  Thus digestion of protein in the stomache improves and the liver produces more bile.  The bile is then released by the gallbladder into the intestine and promotes fat digestion.  This relieves the symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia, as well as aiding liver detoxicification.

Barberry also has a broad-spectrum antimicrobial effect, fighting bacteria associated with gastro-enteritis.  This helps reduce the abdominal pain, bloating, colic and flatulence.

In addition to having been tried and tested over time, recent research has indeed given credence to the traditional uses of Barberry.

The main active constituent of Barberry, berberine, has recently been the subject of much research which has proven it to be effective against a variety of ailments.

Scientific research has shown that berberine 

• Inhibited the growth of a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and parasites.
• Inhibited Candida and other fungal growth, but did not affect beneficial bacteria such as Acidophillus and Bifidus.
• Was of benefit in treating diarrhoea and compared well to pharmaceuticals in gastroenteritis.
• Was more effective than a pharmaceutical in improving gastritis.
• Demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity.
• Prevented chemical-induced liver damage.

In modern herbal medicine, Barberry is used to improve all aspects of digestive function, whether involving the stomache, liver or gallbladder. 

Because of it’s significant antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic properties, it is an extremely effective weapon against intestinal infections.

It is recommended for use against diarrhoea in gastro-enteritis, whether of non-specific type, or from an identified source.  It is also capable of inhibiting the growth of Giardia, Trichomonas and Entamoeba.

It is also recommended for strengthening the patient during convalescence as it acts as an immune stimulant and effective appetite stimulant.

Barberry has even been used as a tonic for a hangover.

Cautions and Contraindications.
Not recommended for use in pregnancy.
Jaundice, hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, intestinal spasm and liver cancer.